At this time of year, I typically get asked which Fujifilm cameras are the best to gift to someone. It’s usually like, “I want to give my spouse a new camera, but I don’t know which one.” Or, “This will be my kid’s first real camera.” Or, “He has everything, so I’m really unsure.” The future recipient of the gift is usually a spouse, child, parent, or close friend. Sometimes they’re very experienced photographers, sometimes they’re complete novices. Budgets can also vary wildly.
It’s difficult to give good advice, since every situation is different, but I do make an attempt to give what I hope is helpful suggestions. For example, last year I published Your Gift Guide for Affordable Fujifilm Gear, which was intended to help those looking for secondhand options that are fairly affordable but still excellent. That article is just as valid this year as last, so you might still find it useful.
For 2025, I have one suggestion that I think will apply to almost everyone. No matter if you are buying for your spouse, child, parent, or friend. No matter if they are a seasoned photographer or brand-new. No matter if they have everything already or no camera equipment at all. This is something that I know most would love to receive. And it’s on sale right now.
Above: Various pictures captured with the Fujifilm X half
The gear that I recommend as a gift is the Fujifilm X half. This is a super fun pocket point-and-shoot that makes unique photos instantly. It’s easy enough that anyone—even a young child—can use it, so no worries if the recipient is a novice; it’s enjoyable enough that even those with high-end expensive gear will choose to use it occasionally. I own this camera, and both my wife and I appreciate it. No matter who you are, this is a camera that people will love to find underneath the Christmas tree.
The Fujifilm X half is perfect for travel snapshots, family events, and documenting everyday moments. It’s small and lightweight, so it’s easy to have with you. It’s simply to use. It delivers film-like results, and can even give a film-like shooting experience. It’s a very unique camera that’s so much fun to use. Last summer the X half was my most-used camera while on a long RV roadtrip up the east coast.
The primary criticism of the camera has been the price, which is a bit high for what it is. I said in my review that the camera should be $650-$700, and not $850. Well, right now and until December 28th, the Fujifilm X half is $200 off in America, which places it at a more affordable and reasonable $650. That’s almost 25% off! So, if you’re seeking out a Fujifilm camera to gift someone, the X half is my top recommendation for 2025.
Above: Various pictures captured with the Fujifilm X half
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Fujifilm X half in black:
Amazon, B&H, Nuzira
Fujifilm X half in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Nuzira
Fujifilm X half in charcoal:
Amazon, B&H
I tried one out for a couple weeks, and I loved everything about it except that the optical viewfinder didn’t have frame lines. Most of my shots through the viewfinder were off-center or tilted to one side. But even going back months later and looking at the pictures I took with it, they all have a great vintage film quality to them.
I feel similarly. When using the camera, there are a few frustrating aspects (which I hope are addressed in a v2, if they make one), but then you see the pictures….
It’s so close to being both a nice step up from a cell for newer photographers, as well as a fun casual extra camera for more experienced shooters.
If it had full Fuji JPEG options, with the tiny size it has, that’d be really tempting. A bit more oomph under the hood and with the flash, and it’d be hard to resist at this discounted price.
I would love to be able to use Recipes with the camera, even if it was more limited than other X-series cameras (maybe Clarity would have to be left off due to processing requirements?).